Dating Show Side Character, Getting Rich by Roasting People

CHAPTER 42: You Can Just Send the Money to Me

　　Jiang Yicheng was feeling a little uneasy.

　　He had been paired with Gao Yan before and thought he would continue dating her this time, but unexpectedly, he got stuck with Chu Ling.

　　Although his pairing with Gao Yan was also for CP hype, both of them knew the deal. They came on the show for attention, and that was the most important thing. No matter what they felt inside, every date was approached with the mindset that sweet moments in front of the camera were guaranteed.

　　Their rich heir and sweet model personas, combined with their cute and flirty interactions on camera, made them the most popular CP after Qin Wen.

　　Unfortunately, Qin Wen’s 1v1 rooftop talk yesterday left many Qin Wen CP fans feeling cheated and ready to give up.

　　The show was halfway through, which should have been the perfect chance for Jiang Yicheng and Gao Yan to ride the wave and boost their popularity.

　　But instead, he got Chu Ling for this round.

　　Jiang Yicheng sighed.

　　This was unlucky.

　　Everyone knew Chu Ling had a sharp tongue and didn’t spare anyone.

　　All he could do now was hope he didn’t end up on her hit list.

　　After a pause, he said, “Get in the car.”

　　Jiang Yicheng didn’t really know much about Chu Ling.

　　Besides knowing she was pretty, brutally sarcastic, and had a bunch of shady rumors about her, he didn’t know her limits or what she liked.

　　He thought back to her past actions.

　　He remembered her defending Lu Shixuan’s “gold-digging” ex and her dislike for Lin Zirun, the artsy type.

　　Maybe she was a materialistic girl.

　　Thinking this gave him a bit more confidence.

　　After all, his on-show persona was a rich second-generation heir. As long as he didn’t act clueless like Lu Shixuan, he shouldn’t mess up.

　　Chu Ling got in and fastened her seatbelt.

　　Jiang Yicheng glanced at her and asked casually, “Is the seat comfortable?”

　　Chu Ling tilted her head. “It’s fine. Why?”

　　“Good,” he said, looking forward as he restarted the car. “I just picked a car at random and worried you might not be used to it.”

　　【Random… if I wasn’t mistaken, this was a Rolls-Royce!】

　　【Wow, young master Jiang really is rich!】

　　【No wonder he’s a rich second-generation heir!】

　　Chu Ling stayed silent. She had confirmed it. He was the type to casually show off wealth.

　　“Can I adjust the seat?” she asked.

　　The previous passenger must have been Gao Yan. She was small, so it had probably fit her perfectly.

　　Jiang Yicheng didn’t think much of it. “Of course, go ahead.”

　　Chu Ling instinctively felt around the side of the seat but couldn’t find a lever. She asked casually, “Isn’t it on the side?”

　　Jiang Yicheng’s smile faltered slightly. “Why don’t you look for it?”

　　“I’ve never sat in the passenger seat before, so I’m not familiar,” Chu Ling said.

　　She looked even more confused. “Is it different from the driver’s seat?”

　　【If I remember correctly, isn’t the button right there by your hand?】

　　【And both the driver and passenger seats have them. Has he never adjusted it himself?】

　　【Maybe young master Jiang always sat in the back before and never drove himself, hahaha.】

　　“…I haven’t really adjusted it much either,” Jiang Yicheng said casually. “I have too many cars. I rarely drive this one, so I don’t really remember.”

　　Chu Ling: “….”

　　Jiang Yicheng asked her again, “Is there anywhere you want to go?”

　　This date was a free-date type.

　　The show hadn’t assigned them a place, so it was up to them to decide together.

　　Chu Ling said, “Anywhere is fine.”

　　Jiang Yicheng thought for a moment. “Then let’s play golf.”

　　Chu Ling almost choked.

　　“You like golf?”

　　She looked at him. “I thought someone your age would prefer something more thrilling.”

　　In her stereotype, golf sounded like a sport for businessmen in their thirties, not young people.

　　Jiang Yicheng said, “Not really, but my dad likes it, so I’ve been playing with him since I was a kid. It’s something I’m familiar with. If you don’t like it, we can pick something else.”

　　“….”

　　Chu Ling caught a hint of pride in his tone. She smiled and shook her head. “It’s fine, I can do it.”　　

　　When they arrived at the golf course, Jiang Yicheng said as they walked, “I have an annual membership here, and all the equipment is stored on-site. If I want to play, I just come.”

　　“As for you…”

　　He thought for a moment. “I’ll have them bring a beginner set for you.”

　　After changing into the equipment, they entered the field.

　　Some sharp-eyed viewers had already noticed.

　　【Wow, that brand of golf clubs is really expensive.】

　　【No wonder this is a sport for the elite. We ordinary people can’t play it.】

　　Jiang Yicheng asked Chu Ling, “Since it’s your first time, it might be good to start at the practice range. Do you want a coach?”

　　“A coach?” Chu Ling asked.

　　“If you don’t mind, I’d be happy to take on that role,” he said.

　　“….”

　　Chu Ling shook her head. “I’ll try it myself first.”

　　She swung a few times, and as expected, her shots were average.

　　【I thought she’d be good at it, but this is it?】

　　【She even refused Jiang Yicheng. She’s full of herself.】

　　The system said, “So there are things you’re not good at too.”

　　Chu Ling had done well at dancing and skiing before, and the system had almost thought she was capable of everything.

　　“I’ve tried it before, but I don’t really like this sport,” Chu Ling said.

　　It’s a very boring sport.

　　And the people at the course didn’t really get along either.

　　She couldn’t imagine Jiang Yicheng actually enjoying this.

　　Even if he played with his father as a kid… would he still like it now that he’s grown?

　　She frowned slightly.

　　Chu Ling’s skill was just as Jiang Yicheng expected.

　　He smiled. “For a beginner, that’s already pretty good. I’ll teach you—”

　　“Not yet.”

　　Chu Ling said, “I’m going to take a break.”

　　She tilted her head and looked at Jiang Yicheng. “Why don’t you show everyone how it’s done?”

　　She even called the cameraman over. “Come on, get a close-up of Jiang Yicheng. Everyone watch closely. This is someone who’s been playing golf for over ten years. He might even be better than a professional coach.”

　　Jiang Yicheng’s expression instantly soured.

　　He had planned to focus on teaching her, just a quick demo of the basics. He didn’t expect Chu Ling to suddenly make him the center of attention.

　　Of course, he lied. He claimed he had been playing since he was a kid, but he hadn’t actually practiced for so many years.

　　He knew the basics, and he had learned some teaching methods to impress girls, but mostly it was theory. Teaching others was better than playing himself. That was just for show.

　　Now he was being forced into the spotlight, and whether he wanted to or not, he had to play.

　　“…Fine.”

　　Jiang Yicheng said, “I’ll show you the key points of the swing—”

　　“No need for the form.”

　　Chu Ling said, “I just want to watch you hit the ball. That’s the motivation I need to keep learning.”

　　Jiang Yicheng felt his scalp tingle. “…Alright, fine.”

　　Although he hadn’t practiced much, he did know a little. It should be enough to fool a beginner.

　　He swung.

　　Missed the ball.

　　He grew more nervous and swung again. The ball rolled along the ground, not even lifting off.

　　Sweat formed on his palms.

　　Wasn’t this supposed to be a very expensive and high-quality club?

　　Why didn’t it feel smooth at all?

　　After a few failed attempts, he looked at the weather. “It’s a bit windy today.”

　　Chu Ling looked at the calm, windless sky and thought, Yeah, sure.

　　Although golf is considered an elite sport, compared to others the course fees aren’t that high. Even ordinary people can afford to play, though there’s really no need. In recent years, golf as a so-called noble sport has become less expensive, and many people spend a little money just to look like they’re spending a lot.

　　If he had really been practicing since childhood, he shouldn’t be this bad.

　　This show should honestly be called The Moving Company. There’s just too much pretending and heavy lifting going on.

　　【Is Jiang Yicheng nervous?】

　　【Why does it feel like he’s no better than Chu Ling?】

　　【He said he had practiced for over a decade? He probably just picked up the balls on the course, hahaha.】

　　“Let’s take a break.”

　　Jiang Yicheng shook his wrist. “I’m not feeling my best today.”

　　He asked Chu Ling, “Do you drink? Maybe we can go to my bar later.”

　　Chu Ling readily agreed. “Sure.”

　　Jiang Yicheng didn’t want to stay at the golf course much longer. Soon they left and returned to his bar in the city.

　　This was his territory, and he immediately relaxed.

　　Chu Ling looked up.

　　The bar wasn’t big, but the decor was definitely nice.

　　It was daytime now, and the bar wasn’t too crowded. They found a private booth to sit in.

　　Chu Ling complimented, “This place looks pretty nice.”

　　“I’m not really expected to make money here. My dad just said he wanted me to have something to do,” Jiang Yicheng replied.

　　Chu Ling casually said, “Your dad treats you pretty well.”

　　“Actually, he’s just too lazy to bother with me,” he said.

　　Jiang Yicheng poured a glass of wine for Chu Ling. “You probably wouldn’t guess it, but I have my own troubles too.”

　　“My parents didn’t pay much attention to me growing up. I basically spent my childhood alone…”

　　Chu Ling yawned and thought to herself, “Then you picked the wrong person. Lin Zirun is the one who's good at analyzing this.”

　　“They would send money regularly and hire nannies to take care of me, but they rarely appeared themselves,” Jiang Yicheng said, showing a slightly bitter smile. “Honestly, more than the money, I just wish they were around.”

　　Chu Ling remained silent.

　　She got it.

　　This was Jiang Yicheng’s version of, I don’t want lots and lots of money, I just want lots and lots of love.

　　Sure enough, he lowered his head, a troubled look on his face. “Also, the friends I attract are mostly here for my money. It’s really hard to find genuine friends, or even a true lover.”

　　Chu Ling raised an eyebrow.

　　Really?

　　If this were a real problem, he’d have hidden his identity on the show.

　　She couldn’t say that wanting love more than money was wrong. There were people like that in the world.

　　But clearly, Jiang Yicheng was just using this as part of his persona.

　　“I get it,” she said.

　　“How about this,” she continued, “just transfer the money to me.”

　　Chu Ling smiled. “That way all your troubles are solved.”

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